Posted on by Daryl Hermann
Windsor Spitfires vs Flint Firebirds December 31 2024 - In Play! magazine
Despite being outshot 32-16, the Windsor Spitfires held on for their fifth consecutive victory, improving their record to an impressive 26-7-2-1. Photo: Daryl Hermann - In Play! magazine
01
Jan

Windsor Spitfires vs Flint Firebirds December 31, 2024

The Windsor Spitfires rang in the New Year with a thrilling 6-4 victory over the Flint Firebirds in front of a packed house of 6,462 fans at the WFCU Centre. The game was a tale of two halves, with Windsor dominating early before Flint mounted a spirited comeback attempt.

First Period

Windsor came out firing on all cylinders, building an impressive 5-0 lead in the opening frame:

  1. 3:08 – Ethan Garden (3) assisted by Woodall
  2. 4:11 – Ilya Protas (21) assisted by Belchetz and Greentree
  3. 11:37 – Jack Nesbitt (15) assisted by Lemieux and Greentree
  4. 13:20 – Ethan Belchetz (10) assisted by Greentree and Protas
  5. 15:47 – Noah Morneau (13) assisted by Abraham

Penalties: Konyen (Flint) – Tripping at 19:55

Second Period

Flint showed resilience, scoring three unanswered goals to narrow the gap:

  1. 6:39 – Cole Zurawski (6) assisted by Flugins
  2. 7:27 – Nathan Aspinall (9) assisted by Lombardi and Clattenburg (Power Play)
  3. 14:23 – Jimmy Lombardi (6) assisted by K. Pitre and Podrekar

Penalties:

  • Spellacy (Windsor) – Hooking at 6:58
  • Mania (Flint) – Hooking at 7:56
  • Mania (Flint) and Greentree (Windsor) – Fighting at 10:13
  • Frolov (Flint) – High Sticking at 12:15

Third Period

Flint continued to press, bringing the game within one goal before Windsor sealed the win:

  1. 16:47 – Connor Clattenburg (12) assisted by Mania and Lombardi (Power Play)
  2. 19:47 – Liam Greentree (25) assisted by Protas (Empty Net)

Penalties:

  • Aspinall (Flint) – Tripping at 11:02
  • Cristoforo (Windsor) – Interference at 13:57
  • Eichler (Windsor) – Boarding at 16:13

Game Statistics

Shots on Goal:

  • Flint: 11-9-12 = 32
  • Windsor: 9-4-3 = 16

Goaltender Performance:

  • Flint:
    • Bender: 5 saves on 9 shots (1st period)
    • Day: 6 saves on 6 shots (2nd and 3rd periods)
  • Windsor:
    • Costanzo: 28 saves on 32 shots

Power Play:

  • Flint: 2 for 3
  • Windsor: 0 for 4

Key Performers

  • Liam Greentree (Windsor): 1 goal, 3 assists, 1 fight (Gordie Howe Hat Trick)
  • Ilya Protas (Windsor): 1 goal, 2 assists
  • Jimmy Lombardi (Flint): 1 goal, 2 assists

Conclusion

Despite being outshot 32-16, the Windsor Spitfires held on for their fifth consecutive victory, improving their record to an impressive 26-7-2-1. The Spitfires will look to carry this momentum into their next game at home against the Guelph Storm on January 4, 2025.

Photos: Daryl Hermann – In Play! magazine

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Daryl Hermann

Daryl Hermann, is a passionate local sports & events photographer based in Windsor-Essex, who enjoys capturing high action sports with stunning clarity, precision and detail. Using his top of the line gear, he is able to create dynamic, professional-grade images that showcase the intensity and emotion of sports and action. A rising talent in the photography scene, Daryl Anthony Photography is dedicated to capturing every moment for you.